Marijuana Grow Operation Found After Fire at Vacant Industrial Building on Fernwood Ave.

Overview

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A marijuana grow operation was found after a building fire on Rochester’s northeast side Tuesday morning.

The fire broke out at a vacant industrial building at 42 Fernwood Avenue near the intersection with Portland Avenue.

The first call came in at about 6:15 a.m. and by 7 a.m. 50 to 60 firefighters were helping with the blaze. The fire started in the second floor of the building. The layout of the building was challenging so it was difficult for crews to find the fire. The fire was put out and contained to the one area of the structure.

“There were dark, difficult conditions to find the fire. Once they found the fire, it had gotten through several different roofs, so it was a pesky little fire to get out. We brought all these additional personnel on scene to fight the fire and for firefighter safety,” said Edward Kuppinger with the Rochester Fire Department.

The fire department said the building had been vacant for 14 years. No arrests have been made.